Feline scratch marking semiochemicals

ABSTRACT

Semiochemical compositions comprising a feline scratch marking semiochemical analogues of these semiochemical compositions and a method to prevent cats from scratching in particular places and on multiple objects are described.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semiochemical compositions comprising afeline scratch marking semiochemical analogues of these semiochemicalcompositions and a method to prevent cats from scratching in particularplaces and on multiple objects.

2. BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Cats are known for their scratching behavior, which is seen by most catowners as one of the most unacceptable nuisance in this species. Mostcat owners misunderstand this behavior interpreting it as a sole meansfor controlling the length of their claws. However, cats usually scratchfor three reasons: to hone or sharpen their claws, which are the cat'schief offensive and defensive weapons, to stretch and tone their musclesand to mark their territory.

Felines actually have sweat glands in their paw pads and when theyscratch against furniture, curtains, wallpaper, corners of upholsteredfurniture and other objects they are actually depositing their own scentonto those objects. Vertical scratches also leave a visible mark forother cats to see as well as to smell. Thus, there are actually twodifferent marks that cats make when they scratch various objects; avisible marking and an odorous marking.

Currently to rid felines of scratching various objects it is suggestedthat the feline be trained to scratch in particular areas by providingscratching posts, scratching pads or cat trees. Other alternatives areherbal sprays that repel the felines from objects due to their scent ordouble-sided tape. Herbal sprays replace the odorous territorial markersleft behind by the scratching to discourage repeat scratching in thesame place. Since cats' paws are extremely sensitive to touch, usingsticky surfaces, such as double-sided tape, is exceptionally annoying tocats so that they avoid touching those surfaces.

Soft plastic nail caps called Softpaws® are also available which shouldbe applied to the claws every 4 to 6 weeks and keep the nails blunt.However, the application of these plastic nail caps is difficult, sincethey are applied with glue. Usually they are applied by an expert orveterinarian.

Electric carpets are yet another solution. These carpets are placed bythe objects that are being scratched and discharge a strong electricvolts but weak amperage in the footpads of the cats that walk on them.

Yet another alternative is to dull the cat's claws by trimming theirnails as a part of a general routine or declawing the cat. However thesesolutions are not really recommended by veterinarian's since it may leadto other behavioral problems in cats.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,863 discloses compositions containing an emulsionand a mixture of fatty acids or derivatives thereof and a compound ofvegetal origin that has an attractive effect on cats for preventing catsfrom urinating in a marked spot or to prevent anxiety in cats. Thesecompositions comprise an emulsion of oleic acid, azelaic acid, palmiticacid, pimelic acid and a compound of vegetal origin that has anattractive effect on cats. However, this patent does not solve theproblem of preventing cats from scratching on multiple objects.

Thus, there is a need in the art to address the problem of feline'sscratching on multiple household and other objects.

It is object of the present invention to provide an alternativetreatment for preventing cats to scratch on multiple objects.

It is another object to provide compositions that attract cats to aparticular object which the cat can scratch.

It is another object to provide a scratching post that attracts cats andthus prevents them from scratching other multiple objects.

It is yet another object to provide a method of attracting cats to aparticular object so that they can scratch that object, while avoidingother objects.

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention asevidenced by the summary of the invention, description of the preferredembodiments and the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one of the composition aspects, the present invention provides asemiochemical composition comprising a secretion obtained from theinterdigital paws of a cat.

In another aspect a semiochemical composition comprising valeric acid,lactic acid and linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomersthereof is provided.

A semiochemical composition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w%/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lacticacid and between 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and/orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof is yet another aspect of theinvention.

In another aspect a semiochemical composition comprising between about3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w%/w %) of lactic acid, between about 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) oflinoleic acid and between about 20.1% to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acidand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof is provided.

The present invention provides a semiochemical composition analoguecomprising 10% to 20% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, lactic acid andlinoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof and 60%to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid.

A semiochemical composition analogue comprising 10% to 20% (w %/w %) ofa composition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) ofvaleric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid andbetween 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and/or derivativesthereof and/or isomers thereof and between 60% to 98% (w %/w %) oflinoleic acid is yet another embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment a semiochemical composition comprising 20% of acomposition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valericacid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid and between68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereofand/or isomers thereof and 75% linoleic acid.

Solutions of the above described semiochemical compositions andanalogues thereof are also one aspect of the present invention.

The semiochemical compositions can further comprise a solvent andoptionally at least one cat attractant and colorants.

A method for preventing a cat from scratching on multiple objects, saidmethod comprising placing at least one semiochemical composition and/orsemiochemical composition analogues and/or derivatives thereof and/orisomers thereof on an object that a cat uses for scratching.

A cat scratching post, board, carpet, trees and toys comprising thesemiochemical compositions or semiochemical composition analogues,and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof as described herein,are also an aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a X bar graph with joined points showing the average of theNPL results using the cat scratching semiochemical analogues. The limitsof control are 3 Sigma.

FIG. 2 is a X bar graph with joined points showing the average of theDBFL results using the cat scratching semiochemical analogues. Thelimits of control are 3 Sigma.

FIG. 3 is a X bar graph with joined points showing the average of theSOA results using the cat scratching semiochemical analogues. The limitsof control are 3 Sigma.

FIG. 4 is a X bar graph with joined points showing the average of theNPL results using the cat scratching semiochemical analogues. The limitsof control are 3 Sigma. OL stands for the object that the cat habituallylacerated. The mean value is 9.583, the inferior value from the meanvalue is 7.576, while the superior value from the mean value is 11.591.

FIG. 5 is a X bar graph with joined points showing the average of theDBFL results using the cat scratching semiochemical analogues. Thelimits of control are 3 Sigma. OL stands for the object that the cathabitually lacerated. The mean value is 2.665, the inferior value fromthe mean value is 1.194, while the superior value from the mean value is4.137.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein “semiochemical” means a chemical emitted by a plant or ananimal that evokes a behavioral or physiological response in anotherorganism. When the semiochemical affects an individual of the samespecies, it is called a pheromone. When the semiochemical affects anindividual of a different species, it is called an allelochemical.

By “enhancer composition” is meant an active semiochemical compositionor analogues thereof that is species-specific in cats and which can beused to enhance or act synergistically with the basic semiochemicalcomposition or analogues thereof and/or derivatives thereof and/orisomers thereof to increase the effectiveness in felines of the basicsemiochemical composition or analogues thereof.

The terms cats and felines are used interchangeably herein. “Feline”means of or belonging to the family Felidae, which includes lions,tigers, jaguars and wild and domestic cats.

The term “object or objects” means any physical thing that can be seenand touched. Examples of objects includes any object that a feline mayscratch including, but limited to, rugs, furniture, carpets, drapes,upholstered corners of couches and chairs, wall papered surfaces,cardboard storage boxes, wood trim on doors and walls. These are only avery few examples defined to encompass the term objects that is usedherein.

As used herein the term “analogue” means a group of chemical compoundssimilar in structure but different in respect to an elementalcomposition.

“Derivatives of fatty acids” as used herein includes fatty acid esters,salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers and amides.

By “isomers” is meant herein a chemical species with the same number andtypes of atoms as another chemical species and include conjugated fattyacids, which are positional and geometric isomers. Due to theconfiguration of the double bond in some fatty acids, they can take twoforms. The cis form, in which both of the hydrogen atoms are on the sameside of the chain and the trans form in which the hydrogen atoms are onopposite sides. For example, conjugated linoleic acid is a mixture ofpositional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid involving double bondsat positions 8 and 10, 9 and 11, 10 and 12 or 11 and 13. Each of thesepositional diene isomers can occur in cis-trans, trans-cis, cis-cis ortrans-trans geometrical configurations.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the semiochemicalcompositions or analogues thereof and/or derivatives thereof and/orisomers thereof can contain other ingredients that do not affect thesemiochemical properties of the compositions or analogues thereof.

More specifically, the present invention relates to semiochemicalcompositions derived from the interdigital area of the cat's paws thatis used to attract the cat's to a specific area for scratching.

Analogues, derivatives and isomers of the semiochemical compositions,described herein, are also encompassed by the present invention.

The compositions and analogues of the present invention are based onsemiochemical compositions and made up of volatile molecules, theessential components of these molecules being fatty acids and methylesters of the fatty acids.

In one aspect, the composition of the present invention comprises amixture of three fatty acids; namely valeric acid, lactic acid andlinoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof whichrepresent between about 3.5% to 83.5% (w %/w %) of the totalcomposition. The remaining ingredients being compounds having anattractive affect on cats, colorants and solvents.

In another aspect the semiochemical composition comprises a mixture ofpropionic acid, cyclohexylacetic acid and cyclopentylproprionic acidand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof, which representsbetween 11.5% to 45.5% (w %/w %) of the total composition. Thiscomposition can also contain compounds that have an attractive affect oncats, colorants and solvents.

In yet another aspect the semiochemical composition comprises a mixtureof valeric acid, lactic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid and/orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof, which represents between5.5% to 58.9% (w %/w %) of the total composition.

The semiochemical analogues of the present invention comprise 10% to 20%(w %/w %) of a mixture of three fatty acids; namely valeric acid, lacticacid and linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereofand from 60% to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid.

The semiochemical analogues or semiochemical compositions or derivativesthereof and/or isomers thereof can be attached to a chemical carrierprovided that the bioactive structure of the fatty acids is preserved.Such carrier molecules include resins, liposomes, crown compounds,proteins, polymers and the like.

The fatty acids can be in their pure form, i.e., as a free fatty acid aswell as their derivatives forms such as esters of fatty acids, salts offatty acids, alcohols of fatty acids, ketones of fatty acids, ethers offatty acids, and amides of fatty acids.

Isomers of the fatty acids in the semiochemical compositions and/orderivatives and/or analogues thereof, described herein, can also be usedin the formulations of the semiochemical compositions.

More specifically, the semiochemical compositions of the presentinvention comprise between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid,between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid and between 68.5% to83.5% (w %/w %) linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomersthereof.

A solution of a semiochemical compositions comprising between about 3.5%to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %)lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w %/w %) linoleic acid and/orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof is also encompassed by thepresent invention.

In one aspect the semiochemical compositions of the present inventioncomprise between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, betweenabout 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w%/w %) linoleic acid and/or isomers thereof and/or derivatives thereofthat are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers and amides of valericacid, lactic acid and linoleic acid. These derivatives are in the samepercentages as their fatty acid compositions.

A solution of the semiochemical compositions of the present inventioncomprise between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, betweenabout 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w%/w %) linoleic acid and/or isomers thereof and/or derivatives thereofthat are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers and amides of valericacid, lactic acid and linoleic acid. These derivatives are in the samepercentages as their fatty acid compositions.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a semiochemicalcomposition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valericacid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid, betweenabout 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and between about 20.1%to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/orisomers thereof.

A solution of the semiochemical composition comprising between about3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w%/w %) of lactic acid, between about 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) oflinoleic acid and between about 20.1% to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acidand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof is part of the presentinvention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a semiochemicalcomposition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valericacid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid, betweenabout 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and between about 20.1%to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acid and/or isomers thereof and derivativesthereof that are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers and amides ofvaleric acid, lactic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid. Thesederivatives are in the same percentage as their fatty acid counterparts.

In yet another aspect of the present invention a solution of thesemiochemical composition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w%) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lacticacid, between about 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid andbetween about 20.1% to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acid and/or isomersthereof and/or derivatives thereof that are esters, salts, alcohols,ketones, ethers and amides of valeric acid, lactic acid, linoleic acidand oleic acid. These derivatives are in the same percentage as theirfatty acid counterparts.

In another aspect the semiochemical compositions of the presentinvention comprises a composition comprising about 36.5% to 43.5% (w %/w%) propionic acid, about 11.5% to 26.5% (w %/w %)cyclohexylacetic acidand about 33.5% to 45.5% (w %/w %) cyclopentylproprionic acid and/orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof. These derivatives are in thesame percentage as their fatty acid counterparts.

A solution of the semiochemical composition comprising about 36.5% to43.5% (w %/w %) propionic acid, about 11.5% to 26.5% (w %/w%)cyclohexylacetic acid and about 33.5% to 45.5% (w %/w %)cyclopentylproprionic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomersthereof is another aspect of the invention. These derivatives are in thesame percentage as their fatty acid counterparts.

In yet another aspect the semiochemical compositions of the presentinvention comprise about 36.5% to 43.5% (w %/w %) propionic acid, about11.5% to 26.5% (w %/w %)cyclohexylacetic acid and about 33.5% to 45.5%(w %/w %) cyclopentylproprionic acid and/or isomers thereof and/orderivatives thereof that are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethersand amides of propionic acid, cyclohexylacetic acid andcyclopentylpropionic acid. These derivatives are in the same percentageas their fatty acid counterparts.

A solution of semiochemical compositions of the present inventioncomprise about 36.5% to 43.5% (w %/w %) propionic acid, about 11.5% to26.5% (w %/w %)cyclohexylacetic acid and about 33.5% to 45.5% (w %/w %)cyclopentylproprionic acid and/or isomers thereof and/or derivativesthereof that are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers and amides ofpropionic acid, cyclohexylacetic acid and cyclopentylpropionic acid isyet another aspect of the invention. These derivatives are in the samepercentage as their fatty acid counterparts.

The present invention provides a semiochemical composition analoguecomprising 10% to 20% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, lactic acid andlinoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof and 60%to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid.

In yet another aspect analogues of the semiochemical compositioncomprises between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, betweenabout 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w%/w %) linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereofin concentrations of 10% to 20% (w %/w %) and between 60% to 98% (w %/w%) of linoleic acid. These derivatives are in the same percentage astheir fatty acid counterparts.

A solution of the semiochemical composition comprising between about3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w%) lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w %/w %) linoleic acid and/orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof in concentrations of 10% to20% (w %/w %) and between 60% to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid is partof the present invention. These derivatives are in the same percentageas their fatty acid counterparts.

In yet another aspect analogues of the semiochemical compositioncomprises between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, betweenabout 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid (w %/w %) and between 68.5% to83.5% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid in concentrations of 10% to 20% andbetween 60% to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and/or isomers thereofand/or derivatives thereof that are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones,ethers and amides of valeric acid, lactic acid and linoleic acid. Thesederivatives are in the same percentage as their fatty acid counterparts.

In another aspect a solution of the semiochemical composition comprisesbetween about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) valeric acid, between about 5.5%to 15.5% (w %/w %) lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5% (w %/w %)linoleic acid in concentrations of 10% to 20% (w %/w %) and between 60%to 98% (w %/w %) of linoleic acid and/or isomers thereof and/orderivatives thereof that are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethersand amides of valeric acid, lactic acid and linoleic acid forms part ofthe invention.

In one embodiment the semiochemical analogues such as SC10-98, which has10% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 98% linoleic acid;SC10-75, which has 10%, of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and75% linoleic acid; SC10-60, which has 10% of the fraction Sc1 (See,Table III below) and 60% linoleic acid; SC20-98, which has 20% of thefraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 98% linoleic acid; SC20-75,which has 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 75%linoleic acid; and SC20-60, which has 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See,Table III below) and 60% linoleic acid form another aspect of thesemiochemical compositions of the invention.

Solutions of the semiochemical analogues such as SC10-98, which has 10%of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 98% linoleic acid;SC10-75, which has 10%, of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and75% linoleic acid; SC10-60, which has 10% of the fraction Sc1 (See,Table III below) and 60% linoleic acid; SC20-98, which has 20% of thefraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 98% linoleic acid; SC20-75,which has 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table III below) and 75%linoleic acid; and SC20-60, which has 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See,Table III below) and 60% linoleic acid form another aspect of theinvention.

The semiochemical compositions described herein can be diluted invarious solvents and can be used in various forms. The compositions maybe in the form of a solution, aerosol spray, gel, slow release matrix,microencapsulated product, liposomes, nanoparticles and the like.

In a preferred embodiment the fatty acids can be microencapsulated andput into a suspension in alcohol.

An enhancer composition containing between 5% to 35% (w %/w %) can alsobe added to the semiochemical composition, if desired. This enhancercomposition comprises volatile organic compounds and mixtures thereofand includes, but not limited to amines and fatty acids from indolicderivatives, esters of these amines and fatty acids, ketones such asacetone, alcohols, sterols and the like.

Cat attractants can also be optionally added to the composition. Theseinclude catnip (Nepeta Cataria), essential oil of catnip, tatarianhoneysuckle (Lonicera tartarica), Valerian (Valerriana officicinalis),silver vine/matatabi (Actinidia polygama), cat thyme (Teucrium marum),Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliate), actinidine, actinidiolide,boschnialactone, boschniakine, dihydroactinidiolide,dihydronepetalactone, epinepetalactone, iridomyrmecin,isodihydronepetalactone, missugashiwalactone, neonepetalactone,onikulactone and mixtures thereof.

The cat attractants are present in the semiochemical compositionsdescribed herein in an amount of 0.05% to 0.15% (w %/w %). The catattractants can also be present in the amount of 0.02% to 0.20% (w %/w%). They also can be present in the amount of 0.01% to 0.10% (w %/w %).

The concentration of the above-mentioned fatty acids may vary dependingon the final form of use. However, the concentrations of the specificfatty acids that may be utilized and their concentration may beascertained and tested according to the methods set forth herein.

The fatty acids, which are generally solid in nature, can be diluted inany nonaqueous solvent to form a solution of the present invention. Moreparticularly, solvents such as ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, alcohol,ether, chloroform, ethanol, benzene, acetone, propyl alcohol,isopropanol, 2-propanol fixed and volatile oils and the like. It ispreferable to use ethyl alcohol in the formulation or acetone andpropylene glycol. The ethyl alcohol can be 95% ethyl alcohol.

Fatty acids are commercially available from various chemical companiesin solid form. However, since it is difficult to solubilize fatty acids,the fatty acid is generally added to the solvent under constantagitation and at a temperature of between about 37° C. to about 38° C.,more preferably 37.5° C.

The semiochemical compositions and analogues, as well as theirderivatives and isomers, described herein, can be applied to scratchingposts or cat trees or any object in which the cat has a tendency toscratch. For example, cat platforms, cat carpets, cat boards, cat toysand the like. Thus, the cat is attracted by the semiochemicalcompositions, analogues, derivatives and isomers and using thatsemiochemical coated object to scratch and tends not to scratch otherobjects that the cat had a habit to do prior to the semiochemical usage.

The above-described compositions were discovered after the detailedanalysis of the interdigital area of cat's paws. This procedure involvedrecuperating from surfaces where the cats scratched secretions andanalyzing the chemical composition of these secretions via massspectroscopy or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy.

A first secretion called fraction Sc1 and a second secretion called Sc2were obtained after analysis. Several analogues based on the Sc1fraction and linoleic acid were also tested for their effectiveness toprevent cat's from scratching multiple objects. These analoguescontained various amounts of the Sc1 fraction and differing amounts oflinoleic acid.

The present invention also relates to a method of preventing cats fromscratching on multiple objects, said method comprising placing one ofthe semiochemical compositions, analogues, derivatives and/or isomers ofthe present invention, as described herein, on an object such that thecat is attracted to the object and scratches on this objection and notother objects.

Cat posts, cat platforms, cat carpets, cat boards, cat toys and thelike, having the semiochemical compositions, analogues, derivatives andisomers, as described herein, placed on these objects also forms a partof the invention.

In order to illustrate the present invention and the advantages thereof,the following specific examples are given, it being understood that thesame are intended only as illustrative and in nowise limitative.

Example 1 A Population Study

The cats that were chosen for this study based on the major geneticbranching and ethnic classification of cats. The three major types ofcats that were chosen for this study were European cats, Siamese catsand Persian cats. The sex of the cats that were chosen for this studyincluded females (F), castrated females (CF), males (M) and castratedmales (CM).

The cats constituted twelve groups with five cats per group. Thispopulation was considered as an initial survey. The results obtainedshowed a large heterogeneity in the secretion compositions based eitheron the individual cats or their race. Therefore the sampling had to berepeated with a larger cat population.

Besides the criteria of race and sex, other criteria were established tobe included in the dozen groups which were: (1) registered in a studbookkept by one of the recognized breeding clubs; (2) have an age between 8months and 5 years; (3) did not receive any medical treatment for thelast 3 months; (4) did not have any commercial cat scratching post; (5)did not use any litter that was chemical or perfumed; the cat litter hadto be constituted of pure clay; (6) did not present any symptom ofanxiety; (7) the scratch marking had to be executed every day on thesame posts in proximity of a territorial zone in which the cat badlytolerated intrusions that is verified by a territorial aggression duringan intrusion; and (8) the cat had a behavior of scratching that wasobserved at least one time per day by its owners and for at least onemonth.

The following Table I shows the cats that were selected for this study.

TABLE I DURATION OF NUMBER & AGE IN SCRATCHING TYPE OF CATS SEX MONTHSIN MONTHS EUR1 M 12 3 EUR2 FC 9.5 4 EUR3 FC 11 2 EUR4 MC 25 5 EUR5 MC 93.5 EUR6 M 12.5 2 EUR7 F 11 1.5 EUR8 FC 10 2 EUR9 MC 9.5 3.5 EUR10 F11.5 3 EUR11 M 10.5 3 EUR12 M 11 2.5 EUR13 F 12 4 EUR14 MC 15 2 EUR15 FC18 1.5 EUR16 F 11.5 6 EUR17 MC 9.5 2 EUR18 F 18.5 3 EUR19 M 21 5 EUR20FC 14 3 SIA1 FC 9.5 9 SIA2 MC 11 4 SIA3 MC 13.5 4 SIA4 FC 12 2.5 SIA5 F14 2 SIA6 M 17 5 SIA7 F 9 3 SIA8 F 10.5 2 SIA9 M 12 2 SIA10 MC 18 2SIA11 FC 14.5 7 SIA12 FC 9 6.5 SIA13 M 11 3 SIA14 MC 16.5 2 SIA15 FC 124 SIA16 F 10.5 6 SIA17 M 13 2.5 SIA18 F 18.5 3 SIA19 MC 20 2 SIA20 M 148 PER1 MC 9.5 6 PER2 F 10 4 PER3 M 11 3.5 PER4 MC 10.5 2 PER5 FC 14 3PER6 FC 16 2.5 PER7 F 18 4 PER8 M 22 3 PER9 F 17 7 PER10 M 9.5 2.5 PER11F 10 2 PER12 MC 12.5 5 PER13 MC 16 6 PER14 M 15.5 4 PER15 M 18 3 PER16MC 9 2 PER17 FC 20 8 PER18 FC 21.5 4 PER19 F 12.5 1.5 PER20 FC 11 3

The homogeneity of the groups were confirmed by the student T test whichgave the following results for age and race and for duration ofscratching and race.

Unpaired T-Test for AGE with the Variable Group of RACE with aTheoretical Gap of 0

average Degrees of cat origin difference Freedom DDL t p European,Siamese −0.176 38 −0.145 0.8855 European, Persian −1.075 38 −0.7950.4313 Siamese, Persian −0.899 38 −0.753 0.4562

Information of the Group by AGE Variable Group of RACE

standard standard cats origin number average variance deviation errorEuropean 20 13.100 18.674 4.321 0.966 Siamese 20 13.276 10.693 3.2700.731 Persian 20 14.175 17.849 4.225 0.945

Unpaired t-Test for DURATION OF SCRATCHING with a Variable Group of RACEwith a Theoretical Gap of 0

average Degrees of origin of cats difference Freedom DDL t p European,Siamese −0.900 38 −1.589 0.1203 European, Persian −0.725 38 −1.4950.1431 Siamese, Persian 0.175 38 0.276 0.7842

Information of the DURATION OF SCRATCHING Group with a Variable Group ofRACE

standard standard origin of cats number average variance deviation errorEuropean 20 3.075 1.534 1.238 0.277 Siamese 20 3.975 4.881 2.209 0.494Persian 20 3.800 3.168 1.780 0.398

Example 2 Isolation and Analysis to Identify the SemiochemicalAssociated with Cat's Scratching

Isolation

To assure that the secretions were taken which were spontaneouslydeposited by the cats a device was used that permitted to obtain thescratches on a support that was compatible with the requirements ofchemical analysis.

The samples were taken during a period of 48 hours by fixing a surgicalcompress using latex examining gloves on part of the surface laceratedby the cat. The lacerated surface was divided in two in the sense of theheight. One of the two halves was recovered with the aid of a sterilecompress. To ensure that there was not any dissymmetry in the deposit ofthe secretion, the sample was collected alternatively half left and halfright at each site for two days to collect the pheromones.

The sterile compresses that were collected were replaced every 6 hoursduring the day at the same hour that the owners went to sleep and wokeup. This represented 9 compresses per day per cat, thus 18 compresses onaverage per cat during two days of collection. During the collection,the sterile compresses were manipulated with gloved hands andimmediately placed in a flask that contained 10 ml of acetonitrile. Thissolvent was the one that was utilized during the analysis of thesamples.

The flasks distributed to the cat's owners carried a coded numberassociated with their animal at the moment of recruitment. Each ownerreturned 5 flasks that contained 3 to 4 sterile compresses.

During this collection phase, if the compresses came torn off from theirsupport in the course of the execution of scratching and were found onthe ground during collecting, they were eliminated from the study to notrisk the contamination of the samples with other material. In the courseof this study 9 sterile compresses had to be eliminated.

Analysis

The solvent used throughout this study was HPLC grade acetonitrile(CH₃CN) that is commercialized by SIGMA (catalogue number 43,913-4). Thesamples were treated by differentiating the groups to which theindividual cats belonged. For each cat, the samples which were takenover a 48 hour period were mixed.

The sterile compresses were first mixed with the aid of a glass stirrerthat was washed and rinsed with acetonitrile prior to inserting thesamples from another cat. 30 ml of solution was obtained for each cat.10 ml of each solution was evaporated under a nitrogen stream prior tobeing diluted in 1 ml of acetonitrile to realize a 10-foldconcentration.

The samples were then subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectroscopyusing a Turbo Mass spectrometer made by Perkin Elmer. The detection waseffectuated on impact using (El+) at an energy of 70 eV at 180° C. A JWcolumn type DB1 having a length of 60 m (id=0.25 mm film=0.25 μm) at asplit of 1/20 and a split/splitless of 3 seconds was used. 1.0 μl fromthe sample was injected.

The initial results were analyzed using a data base to obtain the mostprobable spectrums. Data bases containing such data are well known inthe art.

The initial results obtained with the 60 chromatographic profilespresented little differences between the cats. These chromatographscontained 11 chemical substances, which were uniquely typical fattyacids or fatty acids in the form of methyl esters. Four of the sevenfatty acids were in the form of an ester, which leads to the number of11 components. These 11 components are set forth in Table II below

TABLE II Compounds Formula proprionic acid C₂H₅CO₂H lactic acidCH₃CH(OH)CO₂H valeric acid CH₃(CH₂)₃CO₂H methyl valerate CH₃(CH₂)₃CO₂CH₃isovaleric acid (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CO₂H cyclohexylacetic acid C₆H₁₁CH₂CO₂Hmethyl C6H11CH2CO₂CH₃ cyclohexylacetate 3-cyclopentyl- C₅H₉CH₂CH₂CO₂Hproprionic acid methyl 3- C₅H₉CH₂CH₂CO₂CH₃ cyclopentylpropionatelinoleic acid CH₃(CH₂)₄CH=CHCH₂CH=CH(CH₂)₇CO₂H methyl linoleateCH₃(CH₂)₄CH=CHCH₂CH=CH(CH₂)₇CO₂CH₃

Since isovaleric acid was only present in 34% of cats it was excluded inthe specific secretions. Also excluded were the esters since they couldbe considered as degradation products of the semiochemical secretion dueto cutaneous bacteria. The secretions can also undergo abiotransformation due to symbiotes or saprophytes before acquiring theiractive structure. In this the transformation of the pro-semiochemical isimportant and goes in the direction of simplifying the structure. Thisis what happens in the anal sacks of carnivores. The glands excreteproteins that are transformed into amines by the local saprophytes. Inthis case, the passage of the fatty acid to its methyl ester does notaffect very much the spatial structure of the fatty acid, which ismerely anecdotal and therefore permits to increase the portion of thefatty acids due to the ester.

Two fractions were identified having six different fatty acids. Onefraction Sc1 was present in 69% to 83% of the total secretions. Thisfraction was called Sc1 and its compounds are present in Table III. Thesecond faction Sc2 was very rare and never appeared alone in thepopulation of cats that was studied. Sc2 was present in the totalsecretions between 17% and 31%. Sc2 was present in cats that were morestressed during the study. The compounds of Sc2 are presented in TableIV.

TABLE III Compounds Amounts in wt %/wt % valeric acid 3.5 to 10.5%lactic acid 5.5 to 15.5% linoleic acid 68.5 to 83.5% 

TABLE IV Compounds Amounts in wt %/wt % propionic acid 36.5% to 43.5%cyclohexylacetic acid 11.5% to 26.5% cyclopentylproprionic acid 33.5% to45.5%

Example 3 Testing of the Structural Analogues of the Cat ScratchingSemiochemical

70 cats were tested in this study using the solution SC10-98, SC10-75,SC10-60, SC20-98, SC20-75 and SC20-60, which are structural analogues ofthe feline scratch marking pheromone. SC10-98 had 10% of the fractionSc1 (See, Table III above) and 98% linoleic acid; SC10-75 had 10% of thefraction Sc1 (See, Table 111 above) and 75% linoleic acid; SC10-60 had10% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table 111 above) and 60% linoleic acid;SC20-98 had 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table 111 above) and 98%linoleic acid; SC20-75 had 20% of the fraction Sc1 (See, Table 111above) and 75% linoleic acid; and SC20-60 had 20% of the fraction Sc1(See, Table 111 above) and 60% linoleic acid.

Ethanol was used as a placebo, which was the same solvent used in thesolutions. This study was not conducted as a double blind study sincealthough the six analogues could not be distinguished by the human nose,the ethanol could in fact be distinguished. However the treatment wasconducted randomly.

For this study the analogues of the feline scratch marking semiochemicalwere applied to a new cat scratching post for cats that were habituatedto scratch another object.

The cats for this study were pets from the Paris area. To be included inthe study, besides their approval from their owners, the cats must havesatisfied the following conditions: (1) cats of all different races; (2)castrated or non-castrated males and females; (3) the minimum age was 9months and the maximum age was 8 years; (4) have no signs of an ailmentand have not been treated; and (5) the cat scratched at a specific siteconstantly for a period of at least 2 months.

The criteria for non-inclusion were (1) that the cats had onychetomies(declawed); (2) the cats were in any bad health; (3) the cats wereundergoing an intervention during the 7 days of the test; (4) the catswere carriers of torn nail sheaths; and (5) the cats underwentbehavioral therapy for scratching.

The criteria for exclusion included (1) occurrence of any organicdisease; (2) the cats underwent anesthesia; (3) the cats wereadministered drugs with the exception of intern and externantiparasites; (4) any modification of the cats environment includingmoving; and (5) introducing a new animal into the household.

70 cats were used in this study; 10 cats for each treatment. E standsfor European S stands for Siamese and P stands for Persian. Thetreatment and background of each cat that was tested is set forth inTable V below.

TABLE V DURATION OF AGE in SCRATCHING TREATMENT CATS RACE SEX months INMONTHS GIVEN C1 E M 9 2 SC10-60 C2 S MC 12 3 SC20-98 C3 E MC 11 4SC20-60 C4 E FC 28 11 SC10-75 C5 E FC 26 15 P C6 S MC 33 24 SC20-75 C7S, E F 21 15 SC20-98 C8 SB FC 14 6 P C9 E MC 9.5 2 SC20-60 C10 S MC 12.53 SC10-98 C11 P FC 11.5 2 SC10-75 C12 E MC 14.5 5 SC20-75 C13 P M 17 3SC20-75 C14 P, E FC 14 2 SC10-60 C15 E FC 15.5 3 SC20-60 C16 P F 16 6SC20-98 C17 P, E MC 10 2 P C18 E MC 10.5 4 SC10-60 C19 S MC 15 5 P C20P, E M 16.5 6 SC10-98 C21 SB FC 14.5 8 SC10-75 C22 SB, E FC 46 38SC20-98 C23 P FC 36.5 28 SC10-60 C24 P F 25 11 SC10-98 C25 E MC 33 25SC20-60 C26 P MC 32.5 24 SC20-75 C27 P, E MC 18 11 SC10-98 C28 E FC 16.58 SC20-98 C29 E FC 62 54 SC20-75 C30 E F 65.5 58 SC10-75 C31 E FC 23.516 SC10-60 C32 S, E MC 36.5 29 SC10-75 C33 SB MC 42.5 37 P C34 P M 41 34SC10-98 C35 E MC 25 16 SC20-75 C36 P, E MC 33.5 25 SC10-60 C37 E MC 3628 SC20-60 C38 P FC 14 6 SC10-75 C39 SB M 12.5 5 SC20-98 C40 P FC 9.5 2SC10-60 C41 E MC 28 20 SC20-60 C42 E MC 29.5 22 P C43 E MC 21 14 SC10-98C44 E FC 22.5 13 SC10-75 C45 P FC 24 15 SC20-98 C46 P, E F 28.5 16 P C47S FC 26.5 19 SC20-60 C48 E MC 39 30 SC10-60 C49 E MC 44.5 35 SC10-98 C50S MC 42.5 36 SC20-75 C51 P FC 68 60 SC20-98 C52 S, P MC 86 78 P C53 E MC26 17 SC10-75 C54 E M 44 36 SC10-98 C55 E FC 43.5 34 SC20-98 C56 P F28.5 20 SC20-75 C57 S MC 29.5 21 SC10-60 C58 E FC 41.5 32 SC20-60 C59 EFC 42.5 31 SC10-98 C60 S, E FC 44 36 P C61 P FC 46.5 39 SC20-60 C62 S MC57.5 48 SC10-60 C63 P, E MC 58 52 SC10-75 C64 E M 62.5 51 SC20-98 C65 EMC 96 56 SC10-98 C66 S FC 56 47 SC20-75 C67 P MC 9 3 P C68 SB MC 10.5 3SC20-60 C69 P MC 13 5 SC20-75 C70 E MC 12.5 4 SC10-75 P stands forplacebo in the above Table. SB stands for the Birmin cat (sacred cat ofBurma.)

Example 4 Testing the Analogue Semiochemical

This study utilized two types of material. A commercial scratching postcomposed of a board having the dimension 25×60 cm covered with a hempstring arranged in the direction of the width to the entire length. Thescratching post was covered on part of the surface by yellow peelingpaper in the direction of the length that permits the validation thatthe scratching post was utilized. The paper was changed each 7 to 8hours that permitted to have 3 measures taken by day. When the paper wasreplaced it was placed in a different area on the scratching post thatwas not used during the 8 hours precedent to obtain an alternativedimension. Lacerated or not the papers were replaced and conserved fortesting.

A brown glass bottle containing 50 ml of solution of the analogue of thesemiochemical in an alcoholic solution without an adjuvant or a placebowas prepared. This product was applied to the scratching post with theaid of a sterile complex and applied using latex gloves. The product wasapplied using four longitudinal bands occupying the entire length of thescratching post. This application was renewed every day and once a dayduring the study.

The cats selected for this study were those that already had a habit ofusing a scratching post. Their scratching post habitual was removed andreplaced with the scratching post described above. The study wasperformed over a period of seven days.

The following parameters were studied:

NPL: the numbers of papers that were lacerated in 7 days

DBFL: the delay before the first laceration

SOA: the number of scratches on another object

The NPL permitted to evaluate visually the frequency of new scratches,The DBFL permitted to estimate the number of lacerations with the newscratching post. The SOA permitted to identify the failure leading tothe lacerations and then dispensed to other objects besides thescratching post.

The method of evaluation of this study was the following. The evaluationof NPL was done using an evaluation of 1 for all of the papers that hadlacerations thereon. A paper that simply became unhooked from thesupport was given a score of 0, lacking an intact non-lacerated paper.The DBFL was not evaluated until the replacement paper was added. It wastaken into account the number of first order paper that was scratched.If no paper was scratched a note of 22 was given. The value of DBFL wasbetween 1 and 22. SOA was evaluated for every scratch that was noted. Ifno scratches were present then a note of zero was assigned. SOA was thusthe sum of the scores during the seven days. A scratch was scored if itwas directly observed or if traces of a scratch could be found.

The results are set forth in Table VI below.

TABLE VI CATS TREATMENT NPL DBFL SOA C1 SC10-60 3 6 2 C2 SC20-98 18 1 0C3 SC10-60 7 3 1 C4 SC10-75 9 5 0 C5 P 1 5 5 C6 SC20-75 20 1 0 C7SC20-98 19 2 0 C8 P 0 22 6 C9 SC20-60 7 6 2 C10 SC10-98 12 3 3 C11SC10-75 4 4 5 C12 SC20-75 17 1 0 C13 SC20-75 18 1 1 C14 SC10-60 3 8 6C15 SC20-60 9 4 2 C16 SC20-98 20 1 0 C17 P 4 17 4 C18 SC10-60 2 7 6 C19P 0 22 7 C20 SC10-98 11 6 2 C21 SC10-75 3 7 5 C22 SC20-98 21 1 0 C23SC10-60 4 9 4 C24 SC10-98 6 5 1 C25 SC20-60 8 7 3 C26 SC20-75 18 2 0 C27SC10-98 6 9 7 C28 SC20-98 20 1 0 C29 SC20-75 19 1 0 C30 SC10-75 6 11 3C31 SC10-60 3 9 6 C32 SC10-75 7 8 4 C33 P 5 14 7 C34 SC10-98 14 3 0 C35SC20-75 19 1 0 C36 SC10-60 2 14 6 C37 SC20-60 7 6 2 C38 SC10-75 6 12 5C39 SC20-98 20 2 0 C40 SC10-60 2 18 7 C41 SC20-60 6 9 0 C42 P 1 15 3 C43SC10-98 17 3 1 C44 SC10-75 3 11 3 C45 SC20-98 17 3 0 C46 P 3 17 7 C47SC20-60 11 8 6 C48 SC10-60 5 14 6 C49 SC10-98 18 2 1 C50 SC20-75 21 1 0C51 SC20-98 20 1 0 C52 P 4 16 4 C53 SC10-75 9 8 3 C54 SC10-98 14 6 3 C55SC20-98 21 1 0 C56 SC20-75 17 2 0 C57 SC10-60 3 16 7 C58 SC20-60 12 6 2C59 SC10-98 15 3 1 C60 P 0 22 6 C61 SC20-60 9 11 0 C62 SC10-60 2 14 1C63 SC10-75 6 9 5 C64 SC20-98 18 2 0 C65 SC10-98 11 7 5 C66 SC20-75 19 11 C67 P 2 17 7 C68 SC20-60 4 14 3 C69 SC20-75 15 3 0 C70 SC10-75 3 13 7P is the placebo.

The results are set forth in FIGS. 1 to 3. The results of this analysispermit to conclude that solutions SC20-98 and SC20-75 are thesemiochemical that were more efficient.

The results of the t tests for SC20-75 and SC20-98 are set forth below.

Unpaired t-Test for NPL Variable Group: Treatment Theoretical Gap=0 forSC20-75, SC20-98

average gap DDL t p −1.100 18 −1.601 0.1268

Information of the Group for NPL Variable Group: Treatment

standard standard treatment number average variance deviation errorSC20-75 10 18.300 2.900 1.703 0.539 SC20-98 10 19.400 1.822 1.350 0.427

Unpaired t-Test for DBFL Variable Group: Treatment Theoretical Gap=0 forSC20-75, SC20-98

average gap DDL t p −1.00 18 −0.318 0.741

Information of the Group for DBFL Variable Group: Treatment

standard standard treatment number average variance deviation errorSC20-75 10 1.400 0.489 0.699 0.221 SC20-98 10 1.500 0.500 0.707 0.224

Unpaired t-Test for SOA Variable Group: Treatment Theoretical Gap=0 forSC20-75, SC20-98

average gap DDL t p 0.200 18 1.500 0.1510

Information of the Group for SOA Variable Group: Treatment

standard standard treatment number average variance deviation errorSC20-75 10 0.200 0.178 0.422 0.133 SC20-98 10 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

This analysis highlighted the absence of any statistically significantdifference between the two treatments for all of the parameters thatwere studied. This confirms the efficacy of the analogs of thescratching pheromone and permitting to discriminate between thedifferent solutions and to choose the solution which is more efficient.

Example 5 Optimization of SC20-75

SC20-75 was chosen for this study since it was easier to fabricate at alower cost than SC20-98. This study was performed to optimize SC20-75either by using an olfactory adjuvant or by the association with visualsignals that reproduce an attractive effect to the cats associated withvertical lacerations and are perfectly mimicked by the presence ofvertical stripes such as wallpaper, fabrics etc.

This study was performed on cats that had consultations with twoveterinarians at the same clinic and thus was a monocentric study. Thecats were described as destructors since they had a behavior of markingby scratching and destroying objects.

To be included in this study, the cats (1) had a behavior of marking byscratching for at least 2 months; (2) were in good health and behaviorother than the scratching; (3) were between the ages of 9 months and 8years; and (4) sex and race were indifferent.

The cats that were not included in this study were those that (1) hadonychectomies (declawed) (2) were subjected to a therapy to remove theclaws (3) presented somatic or behavior disorders (4) had treatments forpsychotropic medications or hormones for at least 6 months (5) catswhose scratching was lessened by semiochemical therapy.

In the course of the study the cats would be excluded for the followingreasons: (1) exacerbation of scratching; (2) default of compliance withthe study such as paper with the scratch marks not returned; (3)appearance of urinary marking or aggression; (4) were given anesthesia;(5) had a surgical intervention; (6) caught an organic disease; and (7)administration of a drug other than an antiparasite internally orexternally.

Sixteen cats were selected for this study that lasted 15 days. E standsfor Eurasian, S for Siamese and P for Persian in the table below. Thecats had the following characteristics:

TABLE VII DURATION OF AGE IN SCRATCHING CATS RACE SEX MONTHS IN MONTHSC1 E MC 15 3 C2 E MC 18 3 C3 E MC 26 2 C4 S FC 24 6 C5 E MC 28 4 C6 P FC27 2 C7 S, E F 32 6 C8 P FC 11 3 C9 P, E MC 9 2 C10 E FC 15 8 C11 E FC17 5 C12 E M 9 2 C13 P FC 10 4 C14 E MC 26 18 C15 SB M 23 14 C16 E MC 93 SB stands for the Birmin cat (sacred cat of Burma.)

The statistics on the group of cats chosen for this study that had theappropriate duration of scratching are as follows:

Average 5.312 Standard Deviation 4.571 Standard Error 1.143 Number 16Minimum 2.000 Maximum 18.000 Number missing 0

The scratching posts were the same as used in Example 4, but twoscratching posts were contributed to each cat to respect the methodsused in each test. One of the scratching posts was labeled S hidden fromthe face of the cat. It was coated with the adjuvanted analoguescratching semiochemical from a flask also marked S. The otherscratching post was marked A and was coated with an adjuvanted alcoholfrom a flask marked A.

The 50 ml solutions of analogue scratching semiochemical were containedin a brown glass flask and contained SC20-75 adjuvanted with a 10% oftincture of catnip. The control was a solution of 95% alcohol adjuvantedwith tincture of catnip at 10% of the total volume. The scratching postswere coated as in Example 4. The paper that was utilized on thescratching post was the same as in Example 4.

To compare the efficacy of the two scratching posts, they were placed 60centimeters apart and on either side of a surface that was previouslyscratched. The scratching post (S) had the semiochemical analogue coatedthereon, while the post (A) was coated with the control. Like in Example4 a part of the scratching post was recovered with peeling paper todetect the scratches. In this case the papers were also placed accordingto the same modalities on the object that was already scratched by thecat. One sole object (if there were many) was left accessible to thecat, which is the object that should be the most scratched. Theevaluation was based on this object. The study was performed for aperiod of 7 days.

The evaluation of this study was done with the same parameters as thatset forth in Example 4 with the exception of SOA that was replaced bythe measure of the object that was habitually scratched by the cat (OL).This object was considered as the place of scratching in competitionwith the other scratching posts of the cat.

The results are set forth in Table VIII below for the study done withthe analogue of cat scratch semiochemical (S).

TABLE VIII CATS NPL DBFL C1 17 1 C2 18 2 C3 15 1 C4 19 2 C5 20 1 C6 18 3C7 19 1 C8 21 1 C9 18 2 C10 15 4 C11 18 2 C12 19 1 C13 19 1 C14 19 1 C1520 1 C16 17 3

The results are set forth below in Table IX for the control (A).

TABLE IX CATS NPL DBFL C1 2 9 C2 2 15 C3 1 18 C4 0 22 C5 3 7 C6 1 17 C71 18 C8 2 14 C9 1 12 C10 3 16 C11 1 17 C12 3 14 C13 0 22 C14 0 22 C15 116 C16 0 22

The results are set forth below in Table X for the object that washabitually scratched by the cat (OL).

TABLE X CATS NPL DBFL C1 14 1 C2 11 1 C3 15 1 C4 9 3 C5 10 2 C6 6 1 C713 1 C8 8 1 C9 14 2 C10 15 1 C11 3 2 C12 6 2 C13 4 1 C14 8 1 C15 8 1 C163 2

The results are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Statistical analysis was then performed using the above results.

Analogue Scratch Semiochemical SC20-75

Standard Standard Number Test Average Deviation Error Number MinimumMaximum missing NPL 18.250 1.653 0.4313 16 15.000 21.000 0 DBFL 1.6880.946 0.237 16 1.000 4.000 0

Control (A)

Standard Standard Number Test Average Deviation Error Number MinimumMaximum missing NPL 1.312 1.078 0.270 16 000 3.000 0 DBFL 16.312 4.5271.132 16 7.000 22.000 0

The Object that was Habitually Scratched by the Cat

Standard Standard Number Test Average Deviation Error Number MinimumMaximum missing NPL 9.188 4.167 1.042 16 3.000 15.000 0 DBFL 1.438 0.6290.157 16 1.000 3.000 0

The SC20-75 analogue of feline interdigital semiochemicals was tested insixteen (16) cats. Those cats were described as scratching intensivelyat home by their owners. For each cat, the owners were asked to define a“target area” which was a place where the cat had intensive scratchingactivity. Two cardboard scratching posts were fixed 60 cm on each sideof the target area. One of those scratching posts was coated with aplacebo and the other the semiochemical solution. The assessmentparameter was the total number of scratches during 7 days of the study,counted by putting a piece of paper on half of the scratching surfaces.Comparison was made using the Mann-Whitney test.

The scratching post sprayed with the semiochemical was used more by thecats in a significant way when compared to the target area (p<0.05) andin a very highly significant way when compared to the target area(p<0.001).

While the invention has been described in terms of various preferredembodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that variousmodifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that thescope of the present invention be limited by the scope of the followingclaims, including equivalents.

1. A semiochemical composition comprising a secretion obtained from theinterdigital paws of a cat.
 2. A semiochemical composition according toclaim 1, comprising valeric acid, lactic acid and linoleic acid orderivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof and/or analogues thereof. 3.The semiochemical composition according to claim 2, comprising betweenabout 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) oflinoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof.
 4. Thesemiochemical composition according to claim 1, comprising between about3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w%/w %) of lactic acid, between about 48.4% to 58.9% (w %/w %) oflinoleic acid and between about 20.1% to 24.5% (w %/w %) of oleic acidand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof.
 5. A semiochemicalcomposition analogue comprising 10% to 20% of a composition comprisingvaleric acid, lactic acid and linoleic acid and between 60% to 90% (w%/w %) of oleic acid and/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof.6. The semiochemical composition analogue according to claim 5,comprising 10% to 20% of a composition comprising between about 3.5% to10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %)of lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acid andbetween 60% to 90% (w %/w %) of oleic acid and/or derivatives thereofand/or isomers thereof.
 7. The semiochemical composition according toclaim 1, comprising 20% of a composition comprising between about 3.5%to 10.5% (w %/w %) of valeric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w%) of lactic acid and between 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acidand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof and 75% linoleic acid.8. The semiochemical composition according to claim 1, comprising 20% ofa composition comprising between about 3.5% to 10.5% (w %/w %) ofvaleric acid, between about 5.5% to 15.5% (w %/w %) of lactic acid andbetween 68.5% to 83.5 (w %/w %) of linoleic acid or derivatives thereofand/or isomers thereof and 98% linoleic acid
 9. The semiochemicalcomposition or semiochemical composition analogue according to claim 2,wherein the derivatives are esters, salts, alcohols, ketones, ethers andamides of valeric acid, lactic acid and linoleic acid.
 10. Thesemiochemical composition or semiochemical composition analogueaccording to claim 2, wherein the isomers are positional isomers and/orgeometrical isomers of cis-trans, trans-cis, cis-cis or trans-transconfigurations.
 11. The semiochemical composition according to claim 1,further comprising a cat attractant.
 12. The semiochemical compositionaccording to claim 11, wherein the cat attractant is catnip.
 13. Asolution comprising the semiochemical compositions of the presentinvention according to claim 1 and a solvent.
 14. A method forpreventing a cat from scratching on multiple objects, said methodcomprising placing at least one semiochemical composition according toclaim 1 on an object that a cat uses for scratching.
 15. An object forcats covered with the semiochemical composition and/or derivativesthereof and/or isomers thereof or semiochemical composition analogueand/or derivatives thereof and/or isomers thereof according to claim 2.